William Wertz

William Bill Pingrey Wertz, age 86, of rural Neodesha, Kansas died Monday, July 11, 2011 at his home. Cremation has taken place. Celebration of Life Memorial Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, July 14, 2011 at the Zion Lutheran Church with the Reverend Fred Naumann officiating. The family has suggested memorials to the Zion Lutheran Church or the Hospice Care of Kansas and contributions may be left at the Potts Chapel in Independence, Kansas. William Bill Pingrey Wertz was born January 19, 1925 in Wichita, Kansas to Justice William J. and Pauline Pingrey Wertz. Bill grew up in Wichita, Kansas and attended the Riverside Elementary School and East High. Bill graduated from the Neodesha High School in 1944. He then attended Wichita University and spent several months at the Hays, Kansas Agricultural Experimental School. On June 10, 1944 Bill entered the United States Navy and served on the Admiralty Islands near Australia. Bill received the AsiaticPacific Campaign and the World War II Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged on June 3, 1946. On October 22, 1950 Bill married Viola Yauck at the St. Pauls Lutheran Church in Lipscomb, Texas. The couple made their home in rural Neodesha, Kansas. Bill was a farmer and rancher and did carpentry work. Bill and Viola spent time traveling, on bus tours and cruises. Bill was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church and the over 60 club and also did art carpentry and furniture upholstering. Survivors include his wife Viola M. Wertz of the home one sister Mary McDonald of Wichita, Kansas and several nieces and nephews.